FA Basics (Hypothermia)

Mountain
Safety
MS 1_7:
FA Basics
(Hypothermia)
Learning Intention:
To equip you with the knowledge to
avoid, recognise and treat mild
hypothermia.
Success Criteria:
By the end of this session everyone should
be able to:
• Describe what steps to take to avoid,
recognise and treat mild hypothermia in a
wilderness environment.
Some of you may be able to:
• Recognise and treat severe hypothermia.
Activities:
1. Discussion/Powerpoint:
- What is hypothermia?
- What can you do to avoid it?
- How should you treat it?
2. Scenario
What can
make your
body cold?
How does
your body
respond to
cold?
Stage 1: The Cold Response
• The body’s normal response to a cold
challenge:
– Blood is shunted from the periphery (e.g. feet,
hands, ears, nose, skin) to the core;
– Mild shivering;
– Fine motor function (e.g. movement of fingers)
may be impaired;
– Increased urination.
What should
you do?
What to do if you are feeling cold
•
•
•
•
Add more clothing layers (Heat Retention)
Get into shelter (Heat Retention)
Increase fluid/fuel intake (Heat Production)
Increase exercise (Heat Production)
• EASILY DEALT WITH IF RECOGNISED EARLY.
Stage 2: MILD HYPOTHERMIA
– THE BODY’S ABILITY TO RESPOND TO COLD
IS OVERWHELMED
– The onset of mild hypothermia is a field
emergency, indicating a significant drop in
core temperature has already occurred.
The "umbles"
• stumbles
• mumbles
• fumbles
• grumbles
What should
you do now?
MILD HYPOTHERMIA
Treatment
• Shelter from wind and
moisture
• Remove wet clothes &
replace with dry.
• Body to body contact
may be helpful
• Insulate from the
ground or snow
• Take in fluids (warm
drinks)
• Take in Calories
• Exercise to increase
heat production only
once above completed.
Stage 3: SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA
• This is a true medical emergency (but should
not happen if dealt with early in Stage 1/2)
• The patient has lost all ability to fight the
cold. Rescue efforts should be directed to
preventing further heat loss and immediate
evacuation.
SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA
•
•
•
•
Shivering stops
Unconsciousness
Apparent death
Death
What should
you do now?
SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA
Treatment
• Reduce further heat
loss.
• Package casualty
• Handle gently
• Prevent exercise
• Avoid rewarming
• No food/drink if
unconscious
SUMMARY
• Easily treated on the hill if recognised
early
• Keep an eye on your group
• If left, can become life-threatening
Questions?
MS 1_8:
FA Basics
(Insects)